Andria - Main Sights

Main Sights

Andria was a favorite residence of Emperor Frederick II, who built nearby the imposing 13th century Castel del Monte, one of the most famous Italian castles that was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996.

Other attractions include:

• The 12th-century cathedral, which has an 7th-century crypt.
• The Ducal Palace, a fortified residence renovated in the 16th century.
• The church of San Domenico (14th century, largely renovated in the following centuries). It contains a bust of Duke Francesco II Del Balzo attributed to Francesco Laurana, and a 16th century wooden sculpture of the Madonna with Child.
• The church of Sant'Agostino, built in the 13th century by the Teutonic Knights, who originally dedicated it to one of their patrons, Saint Leonard. The church was later handed over to the Benedictines, and rebuilt by the Augustinians after the sieges of 1350. The main points of interests are the Gothic-style gates, with precious reliefs and crests of the Del Balzo and Anjou families, as well as the Teutonic eagles.
• The church of St. Francis with its cloister (12th century).
• The Communal Palace.
• The Sanctuary of Santa Maria dei Miracoli (16th century), 2 km from Andria, housing a venerated Byzantine icon from the 9th-10th centuries. The basilica is on three different levels. The lower, and most ancient, comprises a hall with a nave and two aisles, with decoration showing stories from Genesis. The middle level (Tempietto) has three arcades in polychrome marbles, and is home to the Byzantine icon. The upper level, the 18th century basilica designed by Cosimo Fanzago, is preceded by another church, dedicated to the Holy Crucifix and decorated with frescoes depicting the Passion of Christ.
• The church of the Holy Cross (9th century). It has a nave and two aisles, separated by four pilasters. The crypt was dug in a tuff rock and includes some natural grottoes.
• The church of Santa Maria di Porta Santa (13th century).